I am a student-worker and I, like many Clarkies, have gotten numerous messages about the Undergraduate Workers Unionization process, from both Teamsters representatives and other involved student workers. Throughout the process, I asked the questions, expressed my concerns and struggled, honestly, with the decision I made.
A few weeks ago, during one of the conversations, I was told, by a student-worker involved in the union process, that if I voted “no” or decided not to strike for any reason, whatsoever, I was voting against student-worker rights across the country. Of course, there have been other students, who have assured me that whatever I decide to do is okay. But, the few who are shaming myself and others who cannot or do not want to participate, allow for a privileged, hostile environment for the Clark community.
You say you want to fight for the underdog, and that is great. But, you cannot fight for them and judge them for not being able to fight with you.
This happens too often, to too many Clarkies, especially those in underprivileged communities. We are supposed to be supporting one another, building each other up. It doesn’t count if you only build up those who agree with you wholeheartedly, who have the privilege to participate in these processes.
Nothing is black and white, especially not something like this. This is more than just “someone who strikes is a good person, and one who does not, is a bad person”. I am tired of feeling intimidated to struggle even more financially for fear I will seem like I do not care. But, I am scared for these next few days. I am scared to show up to work and I am scared to not show up. We cannot and should not be, putting this pressure on our fellow students, we should be putting this pressure on the administration instead. Because, at the end of the day, we are all student workers who need to support one another.
Yes, I am a student-worker, and yes I support the union and the strike, but I am also a human, who needs to take care of herself first. I should not have to feel scared for doing so.
Sincerely,
Ava Orofino ‘25